Overview
The Eugene Option for the PSU School of Social Work MSW program is conveniently located in downtown Eugene within the University of Oregon Baker Downtown Center. Students can access affordable parking across the street and find many restaurants within walking distance. The Eugene site draws students from all areas of Oregon including Lane, Linn, Benton, Douglas and Coos counties.
The Eugene MSW Option follows a three-year curriculum. In year one of the program, classes are held every Friday from 9am - 5pm in the UO Baker Downtown Center. In year two and three, core classes are held every other Friday with students also taking On-line electives and participating in Field practicums 12-16 hours per week.
In addition to classes in the second and third years, students will also participate in field practicums. Field study encompasses a broad range of social work fields of practice including, but not limited to, mental health, medial, integrative care, school-based, child welfare, aging, etc.
Students in the MSW Eugene Option study the Advanced Clinical Practice concentration and follow a prescribed course sequence outlined in the Distance Course Map.
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Most courses are taught by PSU School of Social Work faculty who travel to the Eugene site. Students complete two years of field practice in agencies in or near their home communities whenever possible.
Admissions
The next Eugene cohort will begin the program in fall 2024. The application will be made available in September 2023.
Curriculum
Students complete 78 credits that consist of 36 credits of generalist (foundation) courses, 21 credits of advanced courses, and 21 credits of electives. Below is a sample course map only. Current students should follow the most up-to-date course map located in the student webcenter.
Year One (18 Credits)
| Fall (6 credits) | Winter (6 credits) | Spring (6 credits) |
|---|
| SW 539 Social Justice in Social Work (3 credits) | SW 520 Social Welfare History and Policy (3 credits) | SW 532 Advocacy and Empowerment (3 credits) |
| SW 541 Societal, Community and Organizational Structures and Processes (3 credits) | SW 550 Introduction to Social Work Research (3 credits) | Elective - online (3 credits) |
Year Two (30 Credits)
| Fall (10 credits) | Winter (10 credits) | Spring (10 credits) |
|---|
| SW 530 SW Practice with Individuals and Families I (3 credits) | SW 531 SW Practice with Individuals and Families II (3 credits) | SW 515 Skills for the Helping Process – Groups (3 credits) |
| Elective – online (3 credits) | Elective – online (3 credits) | Elective – online (3 credits) |
| SW 511 Field Placement and Seminar (4 credits ) | SW 511 Field Placement and Seminar (4 credits ) | SW 511 Field Placement and Seminar (4 credits ) |
Year Three (30 credits)
| Fall (10 credits) | Winter (10 credits) | Spring (10 credits) |
|---|
| SW 533 Advanced Clinical Practice I (3 credits) | SW 534 Advanced Clinical Practice II (3 credits) | SW 535 Advanced Clinical Practice III (3 credits) |
| Elective – online (3 credits) | Elective – online (3 credits) | Elective – online (3 credits) |
| SW 512 Advanced Field Placement (4 credits) | SW 512 Advanced Field Placement (4 credits) | SW 512 Advanced Field Placement (4 credits) |
Course Map Notes
• Students in the Advanced Clinical Practice concentration are required to take SW 555 SW Perspectives on Mental Health Disorders: Adults OR SW 554 SW Perspectives on Mental Health Disorders: Children and Adolescents.
• All students are required to take one advanced research elective.
• Electives are available online only; no site-based electives are offered.
Site Coordinator
Valerie Hamby, LCSW, is a graduate of the PSU MSW program and joined the School of Social Work as the Eugene Site Coordinator in the fall of 2011. Valerie has had an extensive career in community mental health in the Eugene area including serving as the lead clinician for the Lane County Mental Health outpatient clinic, and as a hospital crisis evaluator for over twenty years. She has also been certified as a civil commitment examiner and provided community critical incident debriefings. Valerie's area of focus with the School of Social Work is in Field instruction emphasizing students' strengths and working collaboratively with local social service agencies. She continues to provide direct clinical services through a small private practice.
Contact
Valerie Hamby, L.C.S.W.
Eugene Site Coordinator
(541) 346-5612
valh@pdx.edu
University of Oregon Baker Downtown Center
975 High Street
Eugene, OR 97401